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GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference
190-00181-00 Rev. E
14-14
SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
NEXRAD Intensity
Colors are used to identify the different NEXRAD echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ (decibels of Z).
Reflectivity (designated by the letter Z) is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver. The dBZ values
increase as returned signal strength increases. Precipitation intensity is displayed on the GNS 530 units using colors
represented by the dBZ values listed in Table 14-3.
Display dBZ Rain
(inches/hour)
Snow
(inches/hour)
Source of NEXRAD Echo
GDL 49 GDL 69
Atmos
Cloud
Rain Snow Sleet Hail
<-10 .00 .00
-10 .00 .00
-5 .00 trace
0 .00 trace - .05
Very Light
5 .00 trace - .10
Light
10 0 – trace .10
Light Light
15 .01 .1-.2 Light Light
20 .02 .2-.3 Light Light
25 .05 .3-.5 Light Light – Medium
30 .09 .5-.7 Light – Moderate Moderate
35 .24 .7-1.0 Moderate Heavy
40 .48 >1 or sleet Heavy Heavy
45 1.25 >1 or sleet Heavy Heavy
50 2.5 sleet Intense
55 5.7 sleet Extreme
60 12.7 Extreme
65 Extreme
70 Large
75 Large
Table 14-3 NEXRAD Intensity Colors
NOTE: The information presented in this Pilot’s Guide regarding NEXRAD is not meant to be comprehensive.
The NOAA website (www.noaa.gov) contains complete and detailed information regarding NEXRAD weather
radar operation and theory.